Nighttime Matters: New Study Finds Taking Blood Pressure Medication at Night May Offer Added Benefits
High blood pressure—also known as hypertension—affects nearly half of U.S. adults and remains one of the leading risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Managing hypertension is critical, but new research is changing what we know about when to take medication.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) teamed up with 11 other organizations to release new guidelines, published Aug. 14 in the American Heart Association’s peer-reviewed journals Circulation and Hypertension, as well as in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology.
According to the CDC: 120M US Adults; 48% have high blood pressure, and about 62.9M take blood pressure medicine.
What the Study Shows
According to data recently discussed by board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Mahsa Tehrani on America Reports, taking blood pressure medication at night—instead of in the morning—may provide greater benefits for heart health.
The study revealed that nighttime dosing:
Helps improve blood pressure control while you sleep
May better protect against cardiovascular events
Offers potential long-term benefits without increasing risk
This approach, sometimes called “chronotherapy,” aligns treatment with the body’s natural rhythms—recognizing that blood pressure naturally rises and falls over a 24-hour cycle.
Why This Matters for Health Equity
While this breakthrough offers hope for improved heart health, it also highlights the importance of health equity. Hypertension disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities, as well as those facing barriers to care such as lack of insurance, limited access to primary care, or lower access to medications.
If some communities are less likely to receive the latest information, screenings, or resources, disparities in outcomes will only grow. That’s why it’s not just about what science shows—it’s about ensuring that everyone benefits from the science.
What You Can Do
Talk to Your Doctor: Don’t change your medication routine on your own. Speak with your provider about whether nighttime dosing is right for you.
Know Your Numbers: Regularly check your blood pressure at home or at community health screenings.
Prevention Matters: Lifestyle habits such as healthy eating, regular movement, stress management, and quitting smoking remain powerful tools in lowering blood pressure risk.
Stay Informed: Following organizations like CTH helps you stay connected to the latest evidence and learn how these findings impact communities differently.
Moving Forward
At the Center for Transformative Health (CTH), we believe that prevention and equity must go hand-in-hand. As new studies like this one reshape how we approach chronic disease, our mission is to make sure that information, access, and prevention strategies reach all communities—especially those most affected by disparities.
Want to learn more?
To explore resources on heart health, prevention, and our work to close health gaps. Be sure to schedule a FREE Healthy Conversations That Matter session (virtual or in person) with our CTH team.
Share this message with a friend or loved one—because timing your meds could mean protecting your health.
Original Article Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/cutting-out-alcohol-medicating-sooner-could-prevent-silent-killer-experts-say